The Giants have placed Aubrey Huff on the 15-day disabled list due to an anxiety disorder and have recalled utility infielder Joaquin Arias from triple-A Fresno.

While Arias, 27, has played in 18 games so far, he is hitting a nice .400 batting average along with a couple home runs and 17 RBI. Playing primarily shortstop, Arias looks to give Brandon Crawford some support for the Giants.

I don’t expect him to play much while he is with the Giants, but the Giants clearly need a middle infielder so guys like Huff don’t have to fill in when the game is on the line.

The biggest significance of this move, is the effect it will have on Brandon Belt and to an extend Nate Schierholtz. While Huff takes some time off to get healthy, Belt will be the starting first baseman for the Giants. Not in left field, not a defensive replacement, first base is where Belt belongs.

With Belt staying out of the outfield for now, that gives Shierholtz a solid grasp on the starting right field position where he continues to play great defense. He has started there for most of the season (15 out of 18 games), but he is clearly a better defender than Belt in the outfield.

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